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The Ekiti State Government has inaugurated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Steering Committee in a renewed effort to boost the state’s preparedness and response to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the initiative was prompted by lessons from recent health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring outbreaks of cholera, Lassa fever, measles and other infectious diseases.
Filani, who will chair the committee, described the establishment of the steering body as a significant milestone in safeguarding the health and well-being of Ekiti residents.
According to him, strengthening the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre represents a strategic investment in the state’s health security, resilience and emergency response capacity.
“The steering committee is expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, oversight and high-level coordination necessary for the effective functioning of the centre,” he said.
The commissioner also pointed to recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as reminders of the persistent threats posed by infectious diseases in an increasingly interconnected world.
He reiterated Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to reinforcing the state’s healthcare system to effectively tackle disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
“The government will continue to invest in surveillance systems, workforce development, laboratory strengthening, risk communication and emergency coordination mechanisms. Preparedness is more cost-effective and impactful than emergency response,” Filani stated.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, described the inauguration as a welcome development that would strengthen emergency response efforts across the state.
She noted that the committee would enhance inter-sectoral collaboration, facilitate resource mobilisation, promote accountability and ensure the sustainability of emergency preparedness initiatives.
Gbenga-Igotun expressed confidence in the committee members’ ability to effectively carry out their responsibilities and contribute to building a resilient system capable of protecting residents against public health threats.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dr Ibrahim Abayomi, said the steering committee would serve as the highest advisory and oversight body for the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye, explained that the centre would function as the coordinating hub for preparedness activities, rapid response operations and resource mobilisation during health emergencies.
“The centre provides a structured platform for experts, government institutions, development partners and emergency responders to coordinate timely and effective responses to disease outbreaks and disasters,” she said.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Environment, Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko; Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode; Commissioner for Budget, Femi Ajayi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade; and the Director-General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo.
The move underscores the Ekiti State Government’s determination to strengthen its public health infrastructure and ensure a proactive approach to managing emerging health threats.
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